DECATUR - A couple of recent Millikin University graduates and their friends are relying on their faith to create a successful feature film.

Producers Josh Lee and Alex Kapper, both 2008 graduates, are returning to Decatur this spring to shoot a movie, with the help of screenwriter/director Bongsoo Go and cinematographer/actress Jessica Kook.

The movie is being made to bring the message of the power of God to change lives to a wide audience.

The filmmakers said they are relying on Jesus Christ to provide them with the financing they need, as well as everything else associated with the production.

"Slap Down," which will be cast and shot in Decatur, is described by the producers as "a new genre of film that has never been attempted before." The storyline for the movie involves a character who experiences a spiritual conversion. It will be a comedy, with a touch of film noir, kung-fu and espionage.

Auditions for actors and extras will be held Thursday, Feb. 19, through Saturday, Feb. 21. The producers plan to shoot the movie at locations in and around Decatur in March and April.

The actors who are selected will be called on to improvise some of their own lines.

"We are very excited about the final product, but what is important is the process of making the movie," Lee said.

Lee, Go and Kook live in suburban Chicago, where they meet together at their church at 5 a.m. almost every day to pray.

Go is an experienced filmmaker from South Korea, who has recently been making comedies on Christian themes, since experiencing his own conversion. Kook recently graduated from a film school in Korea, after winning a prestigious award for a film she made in a national competition.

Kapper, who grew up in Decatur, now lives in Peoria. Kapper was instrumental in bringing Lee, who he met through the Intervarsity Fellowship at Millikin, and the other filmmakers here to produce on the movie.

One thing they were looking for was a location with a variety of building styles and construction periods, so the film will not be pegged to any specific time period.

"After our team visited Decatur, we thought it is perfect," Lee said.

hfreeman@herald-review.com|421-6985